Registered childminders
Childminders are registered and inspected by Ofsted to ensure they provide a safe and stimulating environment for the children they care for. They are self-employed and run their business from their own home. The maximum number of children they can look after is 6 (unless they employ an assistant or work with other childminders).
A childminder must be registered if they care for children under 8 years old, for more than 2 hours in a day for reward (this includes cash payment and payment in kind). They can care for children over the age of 8 without being registered.
Looking for a childminder in Bromley
If you are using a mobile phone, please search for childminders using our childminder directory.
If you have a laptop or computer, you can search using our childminder directory or our childminder map.
Why use a childminder?
The advantage of using a childminder is the home from home environment, flexible approach to hours for shift working, term time only or weekends and some can provide overnight care.
All childminders must:
- Comply with the requirements for the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) Early Years Foundation Stage Statutory Framework for childminders (PDF - 622 KB)
- Have public liability insurance
- Display their Ofsted certificate
- Be paediatric first aid trained every 3 years
- Have class 1 business car insurance if they use a car
- Ensure anyone aged 16 or over living or working in the home has an enhanced DBS check
Childminders on non-domestic premises
A ‘childminder without domestic premises’ is a childminder who works solely from somewhere other than a home, like a community or village hall. Childminders without domestic premises cannot work from their or anyone else’s home at any time under this type of registration.
Things to think about
Please check with the setting regarding their charges.
Factor in deposits and check the contract carefully, making sure you are happy with costs, holiday arrangements, illness and if they offer Free Early Education (FEE) places (funded childcare) for children aged 9 months to 4 years.
Please note that you should receive a clear breakdown from your childminder on what is included within any additional charges.
Do also check if your prospective childminder has signed up to receive Tax-Free Childcare as you are able to receive both this and funded childcare if applicable.
If you are thinking of using a Nanny or Au Pair, they do not have to be registered with Ofsted. We only hold information on those that are Ofsted registered.